A NEWPORT takeaway was wrecked by fire today.

Fire engines spent more than three hours tackling the blaze at Chinese takeaway Panda House, in Corporation Road – with surrounding properties and businesses evacuated and the area cordoned off.

Four fire engines, a police car and an ambulance all attended.

A South Wales Fire and Rescue service spokeswoman said they received the call about the fire at 1.36pm and that it affected a mixed commercial and residential premises.

She said: “It was an accidental fire, affecting a two-storey property.

“The fire spread from the Chinese takeaway in the first floor and there has been a partial roof collapse.

“Everyone was accounted for and was safe.”

The spokeswoman also said that the fire was put out at 4.48pm and that the property was being assessed by a council officer.

According to Gwent Police, Corporation Road was closed from the junction where Corporation Road and Wharf Road meets George Street, up as far as the bus depot.

The owner of the property, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I rent the whole building to the same family.

“I am currently talking to the tenant but it looks like the fire started from the takeaway downstairs.

“They tried to use a fire blanket, but the fire was too big – so they evacuated the property straight away.

“Everyone is safe, fortunately.”

Hsan Dogan, from Istanbul restaurant, in Corporation Road, said they were told to evacuate the building at 1.30pm.

“There was a lot of smoke, it was a big fire,” he added “It smelt of burnt plastic.”